Compare the best small electric cars with carwow
High quality electric cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Best small electric cars 2022
One of the wonderful things about electric cars is their ability to silently whizz around towns without contributing to local emissions. Manufacturers know this, and that's why there's an ever-growing choice of small electric cars to choose from — perfect for the urban commute and the occasional bit of longer-distance driving. These are the best small electric cars you can buy today.
1. Peugeot e-208
Battery range up to 217 miles
carwow price from
£323* / month
(£29,359)
Chic small cars are always a hit and that explains half of the reason why the Peugeot e-208 has been a success from the off. It’s one of the most stylish small cars money can buy, yet backs that up with legitimate EV practicality. It’s expensive as far as the 208 goes, but the respectable range and plenty of on-board technology more than help to justify its higher price tag.
2. Renault Zoe
Battery range up to 245 miles
carwow price from
£349* / month
(£25,245)
The first Renault Zoe proved EVs don’t have to be expensive or over-the-top with gimmicks, and the newest version of the electric hatchback has only built on that. It looks cool, is fun to drive and offers a decent amount of range between charging stops. It’s not the most practical EV out there, but it’s priced affordably by electric car standards.
3. Vauxhall Corsa-e
Battery range up to 222 miles
carwow price from
£300* / month
(£28,083)
Using the same batteries and other mechanical gubbins as the Peugeot e-208 has made the Vauxhall Corsa-e something seriously worth considering too. Range is impressive, with it reaching as much as 209 miles between charges, and kit is generous too. It doesn’t look as sharp at the e-208 but, for a Vauxhall, it’s quite the head-turner.
4. Volkswagen ID.3
Battery range up to 340 miles
carwow price from
£365* / month
(£34,419)
The Volkswagen ID.3 makes the switch to electric cars feel effortless, with bags of interior space and an excellent electric range on offer. Quirky switchgear might take some getting used to, but once you do, you’re behind the wheel of something really good.
5. Hyundai Kona Electric
Battery range up to 301 miles
carwow price from
£373* / month
(£31,813)
Are you a little nervous about making the switch to electric? The Hyundai Kona Electric might be the car for you. It carries over the core SUV traits and what makes the regular Kona good — its spacious cabin and high-riding position — and mixes them with an all-electric powertrain. It does lag behind alternatives in the boot space stakes, but generous equipment levels and a little bit of driving fun help add to the appeal of the Kona Electric.
6. Kia Soul EV
Battery range up to 280 miles
carwow price from
£459* / month
(£31,882)
For something quirky to stand out from the crowd, you should consider a Kia Soul. Few electric SUVs could turn heads as well as the Soul can, and you’ll be passing plenty of them before stopping for a charge thanks to fantastic 280-mile range. Boot space isn’t fantastic and an e-Niro would be the more practical choice of Kia, but the Soul has it easily beat for style.
7. Mini Electric
Battery range up to 190 miles
carwow price from
£324* / month
(£28,431)
The Mini Electric takes everything that’s fantastic about the icon — a fun driving experience, cute styling and a lovely cabin — and sprinkles in some EV magic to make a rather appealing formula. Performance is seriously punchy and, though its range leaves a little to be desired, there’s a tremendous amount of equipment to keep you entertained.
8. BMW i3
Battery range up to 188 miles
Though it’s been around for a fair while now, since 2013 to be exact, the BMW i3 is still one of the most appealing electric cars on the market. Its interior is still very futuristic-looking, the infotainment is intuitive and, though it has got a small boot, the surprising pace of the i3 makes it an impressive all-rounder.
9. Nissan Leaf
Battery range up to 239 miles
carwow price from
£316* / month
(£24,811)
Not only is the price of a Nissan Leaf decent price, so is its range, equipment and tech. Ticks all of the boxes then, really right? It’s not all perfect — passenger pace lags behind rivals and its infotainment is a little outdated — but it’s packed with class-leading safety gear to add a little extra peace of mind on the road.
10. Honda e
Battery range up to 132 miles
carwow price from
£493* / month
(£35,476)
For something truly quirky, take a look at the Honda e. This retro-inspired electric car is perfect for the city dweller — with its dinky proportions making it dead easy to whisk around in, while a fully-digital dashboard gives it a proper premium feel inside. Range isn’t great beyond an urban commute, but if your journeys are short, a Honda e will make them fun.
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